“Gregg Popovich told me he thought it was time,” Parker said. “Just like Manu Ginobili, just like Pau Gasol, you know that day is going to come. If Pop sees something that is good for the team, I will try to do my best… I will support Pop’s decision.”

Parker has started 1,151 regular season games over the course of his career, with career averages of 16.1 points and 5.8 assists per game. This year, in 21.7 minutes per game, he has posted averages of 8.0 points and 4.0 assists.

In 14 starts for the Spurs already this season, the 21-year-old Murray has averaged 8.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest.

Despite the lingering absence of star forward Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs have managed to stay competitive in the West. Even after having lost six of their last 10 games, San Antonio sits tied for third in the conference.

Kawhi is still a top 5 player in the league, Aldridge is still an Allstar, and pop hasn’t said anything about retiring. Spurs run isn’t over. Warriors are probably going to dominate for the most part, but I still give the Spurs a chance.

Agreed. Barring some unforeseen health issues, I don’t see Pop retiring soon. He still seems to enjoy coaching and as long as Kawhi is healthy the Spurs should be good. I don’t see him sticking around for Kawhi’s entire career though. Wouldn’t be surprised if he starts targeting someone, maybe a former player or young assistant coach to groom as his successor though.

I don’t think the run is over, I think this is just a year to take a bit of a step back and to work in the younger kids more than Pop usually does, especially if Kawhi spends a majority to all of the balance of the season on the DL.

It was time for Parker, and with his contract up at the end of the season, this makes perfect sense. Maybe he and the Spurs will work something out to have him back for a couple of years like Manu, but giving Murray the keys is the right long term play. Win 50-52 this year, go out in the 2nd round, get Kawhi healthy, and work on making improvements to get back into serious contender status for next year.